Linear polyesters of 1, 4-cyclohexane-dimethanol and hydroxycarboxylic acids



grates Unite This invention relates to highly polymeric linear condensation polymers ofat least three constituents as follows: 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (cis or trans isomers), a dicarboxylic acid and a hydroxycarboxylic acid. These polymers are valuable as fibers, films, molded articles, coating materials, etc. and are characterized by excellent overall properties including high melting temperatures, hydrolytic stability, etc.

This application is a continuation-in-part of Kibler et al. Ser. No. 554,639, filed December 22, 1955, now US. Patent No. 2,901,666, granted on August 25, 1959, wherein the claims cover polyesters generically as well as polyester-amides wherein one of the constituents is a diamine. Kibler et al. Ser. No. 823,296 filed on even date herewith covers polymers wherein one of the principal constituents is an aminoalcohol. Kibler et al. Ser. No. 823,- 295 filed on even date herewith covers polymers wherein one of the principal constituents is an aminocarboxylic acid. Kibler et al. Ser. No. 823,297 filed on even date herewith covers relatively low molecular weight polymers, especially polyesters, which are useful as plasticizers, lubricants, etc. The specification and file history of the parent application discusses the prior art and the unobviousness of the subject matter of these inventions.

The properties of the polymers of the present invention include unexpectedly high melting temperatures, chemical stability, physical stability, dyeability, etc. More specific properties include weather resistance, resistance to heat distortion, hydrolytic stability which is an important factor in weathering, utility as a dielectric or as to other electrical properties under humid conditions, dyeability to deep shades without the use of a carrier, etc.

The objects of the present invention include providing polymers of the components mentioned above having the advantageous properties enumerated as well as products produced therefrom as described. Other objects will become apparent elsewhere herein.

According to a preferred embodiment of this invention polymers are provided which are linear highly polymeric condensation polymers of (A) at least one dibasic carboxylic acid, (B) at least one bifunctional dihydroxy compound and (X) at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid, the relative proportions of (A), (B) and (X) constituents being such as to constitute a linear polyester in which at least 50 mole percent of said component (B) consists of at least one member selected from the group consisting of the cis and trans isomers of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, which polymer melts at above 100 C. and below about 330 C., has an inherent viscosity of at least 0.4 as measured in a mixture of 40% tetrachlorethane plus 60% phenol and is capable of being formed into fibers.

Generally the inherent viscosity of the polymers of this invention lies in the range of 0.4-2.0 although higher or lower values are also contemplated.

The bifunctional reactants or constituents which are employed to prepare the polymers of this invention contain no other reactive (functional) substituents which would interfere with the formation of linear polymers as defined by Carothers in his earlier work in this field. Such bifunctional reactants and the methods for preparing polymers from them are well known in the art and illustrated in numerous patents and in the literature as well as in the (A) DIBASIC CARBOXYLIC Acms These include aromatic, aliphatic, heterocyclic and other types and include cycloaliphatic, acyclic, hexacarbocyclic, tetracarbocyclic, bicyclic, etc. Examples include terephthalic, cyclohexanedicarboxylic, succinic, naphthalenedicarboxylic, norcamphanedicarboxylic, carbonic, dimerized fatty acids, trimerized fatty acids, p-carboxycarbanilic, suberic, azelaic, adipic, s'ebacic, glutaric, dimethylmalonic, m-ethylsuberic, oxalic, a,a-diethyladipic, dicarboxy diethyl ether, ortho-phthalic, hexahydro-o-phthalic, sulfonyldipropionic, and many other acids. Examples of especially preferred hexacarbocyclic dicarboxylic acids wherein the carboxy radicals are attached to a hexacarbocyclic nucleus in para relationship include terephthalic acid, trans-l,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, p,p'-sulfonyldibenzoic acid, 4,4'-diphenic acid, 4,4-benzophenonedicarboxylic acid and 1,2-di(p-carboxyphenyl) alkanes (l to 10 carbons). Such acids as are contemplated by constituent (A) generally contain from about 1 to 40 carbon atoms.

(B) DIHYDROXY COMPOUNDS These include aromatic, aliphatic, heterocyclic, and other types as in regard to constituent (A). Preferably the hydroxy radicals are attached to a methylene group as in a glycol, i.e., the compoundis a dihydroxymethyl compound such as ethylene glycol, 1,10-decanediol, neopentyl glycol, 1,4-bishydroxymethylbenzene, norcamphanedimethanol, etc. Oother dihydroxy compounds include hydroquinone, dihydroxynaphthalene, resorcinol, etc. Such compounds generally contain from 2 to 20 carbon atoms if they are monomeric in nature; however, the dihydroxy compounds contemplated also include the polyethylene glycols, other low polymers which are bifunctional and may contain internal ether, thioether, sulfone, carboxy, urethane and other linkages such as polystyrene which has been hydroxylated so as to acquire two hydroxy radicals. Any such polymeric dihydroxy compounds preferably have a molecular weight of less than 10,000, most preferably from about 700 to about 7500. Additional specific examples include 2-methyl-l,5-pentanediol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 2,2-dimethyl-3-isopropyl-1,3-propanediol, etc.

As already pointed out constituent (B) is composed of at least 50 mole percent of CHDM, whereby the advantageous results of this invention are accomplished.

(X) HYDROXYCARBOXYLIC ACIDS omega-hydroxypalmitic acid, butyrolactone, 4-hydroxy- V butyric acid, 4-(B-hydroxyethyl)-benzoic acid, Z-(p-hydroxyethoxy)benzoic acid, 4-hydroxymethylbenzoic acid, 4-hydrcxymethylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid, 4-(5-hydroxyethoxy) -cyclohexanecarboxy1ic acid, etc; Generally Patented May 8, 1962 These include aromatic, aliphatic, heterocyclic and completion of the alcoholysis stage of the reaction. The temperature was then raised to 280 C. over a twentyininute period and a vacuum of less than 1 mm. ofmercury applied for ten minutes. During this interval the l d cit and the viscosit of the melt other types as in regard to constituent (A). Specific exexcess was Smppe. y emples include 5-aminopent'anol l, 4-aminomethylcycloblsgan to m This prociuct was blariketed with h g h sminmzethykpentanom, nitrogen and poured as rapidly as possible into water. idroxyethoxyphenyl) l-aminoethane, 3-amino-2,2-dimeth- E i -F; Obtained was a lranslufent whltF ylpmpanon hydroxyetyhylamine; etc; Generally these rittle so i viscosity 0.2 3 and M.P. 220224 C. This aminoalcohols cbntain from 2 to 20 carbon atoms- Prepolymar Was gmund a hammer mm to Pass a i mesh screen and heated at 0.07 mm. of mercury and f AMINOCARBOXYLIC AQIDS 7 215-218 C. forsix hours. The polymer had a viscosity 1 These include aroma-tic, aliphatic, heterocyclic, and of and a of other types as in regard to constituent (A) and include Ex mp lactams. Specific examples incIudeG-aminocaproic acid, its 1a ctam. known 7 as capmlactam, omega amino un Th s example was performed similar to that of Example decanoic acid, 3-amino-2,2-dimethylpi'opionic acid, 4-(,8- 1 except that heatmg j 280 at a P F of -2 arninoethynbenzoic acid, 2-(B-aminopropoxy)benzoic me rcurY w Fontmued 9O mmules- T melt acid, 4 aminomethylcyclohexancarboxylic acid viscos ty rapidly increaseduntil finally the contents of aminopiopoxy)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, etc. Gen- 29 the flask i largely haflgmg T erally these compounds contain from 2 to carbon product a Shghfly -w q hard had a meltmg atoms point of 235 240 C. and a viscosity of 0.75.

The molar proportions of the various constituents in the Ether of i polrmmof Example or 2 w readlly polymers of this invention are apparent to those skilled mellspun to P With 6x66116111 tenacity (2.5-4.0 g. per in the art. Generally spfiaking there am equal molar 2 denier) Asimila-r polyester was prepared using ethylene proportions of the A constituent and (2) the sum glycol. instead of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. Fibers of B and Y constituents. The sum total of the molar polyesters f Sublected to hydrolytlc quantities of X, Y and Z are advantageously no greater radalmng' was found that fibe1: q f l than 60% of the molar amount. of the A constituent; 'hexanedimethanol polyester retained its original propertieshowever, t Y constituent never exceeds the B com longer than the corresponding composition using ethylene stituent. According to the present invention constituent glycol- X is from about 10 to 50 mole percent of constituent A, 7 .Example 3 p the sum of consptuents Y and Z 13 from 0 to 10 mole A 250-rn1. flask equipped with a nitrogen inlet, stirrer percent of constituent A and the molar amount of connddistining head was charged with 3&8 g (02 mole) stituent B is reouced by the molar amount of constituent dimethyl teraphthalate, 86 g (0.05 mole) methyl any) f th 01 ers an accom fished hydroxynietl ylcyclol exanecarboxylate and 0.3 ml. of a Pm f 10H d h d c a 28 .4% solution of titanium tetraisopropoxide in n-butaby men Phas" {i P P tec.mquets as f m nol. The flask was stirred under nitrogen and heated h fa g app @ffii gg ig g gz by a metal bath to 200 This temperature was maina -$5 2 31k g gpg g tamed for 60 minutes during which time 2 ml. of methame I This invention can be further illustrated by the folfifi g g i E3; $33 5212233 2? i g g W examp 16s of Preferred. embodimepts although it mixture was then reimmersed into the metal hath at W111 beeppsremfhai thiesiexamples g i y 200C. and held there for 30 minutes. During this time, for purpqses 9f mB i S d are not i e .3 f 0 351111, of methanol distilled. The temperature was raised l of Invention unless otherwlse spec]. ca y tov 285. C. in 20 minutes, and a vacuum of 0.5 mm. of m e mercury applied for 10 minutes. At the end of this time,

Example 1 r the melt was covered with a nitrogen atmosphere and I. A l-lLflask equipped with stirrer, nitrogen inlet, therthe molten prepolymer poured into water. After drying mometerQ and distilling head was charged with 116.4 g. and grinding to pass 40 mesh, the prepolymer was heated (0.6 mole) of dimethyl terephthalate, 35 g. (0.4 mole) of at 240 C. for 6 hours at a vacuum of 007 mm. of merpivalolactone, 247 g. (1.2 moles) of 1.4-cyolohexanedi cury. .The product was awhite solid; viscosity 0.83, M.P. methanol containing 30% methanol and 0.8 ml. of a 250-255 C. and could be formed into excellent fibers 28.4% solution of titanium tetraisopropoxide in n-butaand film, It was melt spun into fibers which readily 1101. The mixture was stirred under nitrogen and heated cold drew... The cold-drawn and heat-set fibers were at 120-130 C. for 1.5 hours. This low temperature strong, showed an excellent stability to hydrolysis and was used to avoid loss of the relatively volatile pivalowere rnore receptive to dyes than the unmodified polylactone, During this time, 127 ml. of methanol (from ester. p I a the 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol solution) distilled. The 0 Thefollowmg table summarizes other polyester comtemperature was raised to-200 C. and held there for one 6 positions prepared by a procedure similar to that de- L112. Another 73 ml. of methanol distilled indicating scribed in Examples 1 and 2.

I V I V V 7 Polymer H i. are;

- Example Dlbasie Md .ieiii xy Acid LV. M.P.

Terephthalic 1.0' i-(tihydroxyethoxw-benzoid 0. 25 1.1a 260-265 trans-Hexahydro- 1.0. pivalolactone 0.10 0.85 240-245 H terephthalic. 6 4,4-Su1f 0nyld1- l-0 d0. 0.50 1.36 200-210 -7 trgii s f e iiahydro- '7 1.0 @hydroxymethylcyclohex- 0.10 0.80 235-240 terephthalic. anecai'boxylic. 8 Terephthalic. 1.0 4-(B hydroxyethoxy)-cyclo- 0.25 1.21 263-268 -hexaneearboxylie. V

. I 1 Prepared by melt phase polymerization. All other examples were prepared by solid phase polymerization.

Polymers as described above were formed into fibers which could be oriented by stretching to improve their properties if desired, especially for textile fabrics. Similarly they can be extruded to form films which can be biaxial- 1y oriented. Such films have utility for photographic purposes, wrapping materials, dielectrics, etc. Molding compositions can also be prepared from such polymers. in any of these forms the polymers are receptive to dyes without carriers. They are especially resistant to weathering. An outstanding property is their hydrolytic stability in combination with an unusually well balanced group of other desirable properties.

Although the invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A highly polymeric linear polyester of (A) a dicarboxylic acid, (13) a bil'unctional dihydroxy component and (X) a mono-hydroxy-mono-carboxylic acid, the relative proportions of (A), (B) and (X) constituents being such that constituents (A) and (B) are present in equimolecular amounts, constituent (X) is from about to 60 mole percent of constituent (A) and in which at least 50 mole percent of said constituent (B) consists of at least one member selected from the group consisting of the cis and trans isomers of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, which polyester melts at above 100 C. and below about 330 C.,

has an inherent viscosity of at least 0.4- as measured in a mixture of 40% tetrachlorethane plus 60% phenol and is capable of being formed into fibers.

2. A polymer as defined by claim 1 wherein the constituents are: (A) is terephthalic acid, (B) is 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and (X) is 2,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxypropionic acid,

3. A polymer as defined by claim 1 wherein the constituents are: (A) is terephthalic acid, (B) is 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and (X) is 4-hydroxymethylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid.

4. A polymer as defined by claim 1 wherein the constituents are: (A) is terephthalic acid, (B) is 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and (X) is 4-(i3-hydroxyethoxy)-benzoic acid.

5. A polymer as defined by claim 1 wherein the constituents are (A) is trans hexahydroterephthalic acid, (B) is 1,4cyc1ohexanedimethanol and (X) is 2,2-dimeth- Iy-S-hydroxypropionic acid.

6. A polymer as defined by claim 1 wherein the constituents are (A) is trans hexahydroterephthalic acid, (B) is 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and (X) is 4-hydroxymethylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid.

7. A polymer as defined by claim 1 wherein the 1,4- cyclohexanedimethanol is from to trans isomer.

8. A polymer as defined by claim 7 wherein at least 50 mole percent of constituent (A) is a hexacarbocyclic dicarboxylic acid wherein the carboxy radicals are attached to a hexacarbocyclic nucleus in a para relationship.

9. A fiber of a polymer as defined by claim 1.

10. A fiber of a polymer as defined by claim 2.

11. A fiber of a polymer as defined by claim 3.

12. A fiber of a polymer as defined by claim 4.

13. A fiber of a polymer as defined by claim 5.

14. A fiber of a polymer as defined by claim 6.

15. A film of a polymer as defined byclaim 1.

16. A film of a polymer as defined by claim 2.

17. A film of a polymer asdefined by claim 3.

18. A film of a polymer as defined by claim 4.

19. A film of a polymer as defined by claim 5.

2,901,466 Kibler et al. Aug. 25, 1959 

1. A HIGHLY POLYMERIC LINEAR POLYESTER OF (A) A DICARBOXLIC ACID, (B) A BIFUNCTIONAL DIHYDROXY COMPONENT AND (X) A MONO-HYDROXY-MONO-CARBOXYLIC ACID, THE RELATIVE PROPORTIONS OF (A), (B) AND (X) CONSTITUENTS BEING SUCH THAT CONSTITUENTS (A) AND (B) ARE PRESENT IN EQUIMOLECULAR AMOUNTS, CONSTITUENT (X) IS FROM ABOUT 10 TO 60 MOLE PERCENT OF CONSTITUENT (A) AND IN WHICH AT LEAST 50 MOLE PERCENT OF SAID CONSTITUENT (B) CONSISTS OF AT LEAST ONE MEMBER SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF THE CIS AND TRANS ISOMERS OF 1,4-CYCLOHEXANEIMETHANOL, WHICH POLYESTER MELTS AT ABOVE 100*C. AND BELOW ABOUT 330*C., HAS AN INHERENT VISOCITY OF AT LEAST 0.4 AS MEASURED IN A MIXTURE OF 40% TETRACHLORETHANE PLUS 60% PHENOL AND IS CAPABLE OF BEING FORMED INTO FIBERS. 